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Enjoy the waterfront scenery of Amsterdam

About a quarter of Netherlands lies below sea level, including its capital Amsterdam. The city rose and flourished because of water, which has now become an indispensable part of the city. Living on a canal boat gives a feel for the pulse of the city and brings you the experience of its slow-paced culture and customs.

Tour the canals

Amsterdam's canal ring was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011. Its Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht have always been important canals providing alternate transportation means in Amsterdam. Visitors can take a window boat tour to understand the four-hundred year history of the canals and urban development, or take a four-person craft and count the unique old brick houses along the banks while enjoying the view of the brightly-coloured houseboats and private vessels that locals use to commute. You can even stay in a floating hotel, relax with the leisurely sound of lapping water and experience the exotic life on the waves.

Albert Cuyp located outside the Canal district is Amsterdam's largest open-air market and has been the busiest local commercial centre since the early 20th century. Families can easily spend a whole day there just wandering among interesting spots. One thing to note is that the locals are committed to their slow-paced lifestyle, so most shops only open from nine to five and close on Sundays.

Green city bike tour

Amsterdam is known as Europe's greenest city. Many bus stops have solar panels and the ease of getting around demonstrates the local government's emphasis on modern environmental planning. Bicycles are one of the main modes of transport in the Netherlands. Almost every family has at least one bicycle and this has painted a unique landscape in the city. Riding through winding streets and enjoying the beautiful scenery will show you a different urban rhythm compared to a leisurely stroll.

Experience culture and art

Visiting museums is an ideal way to quickly understand the cultural background of a country. The Royal Palace in Dam Square is an important historic building in Amsterdam. It is open to the public year round and showcases the glorious history and art of Amsterdam. Beer lovers will certainly fond of visiting the Heineken Brouwerij for free beer while art lovers can't miss the Van Gogh Museum with authentic artworks of the peerless genius. The museum has nearly a thousand paintings of Van Gogh from different periods, including early realism and late impressionism masterpieces, as well as his personal letters. Stepping in the museum, you will transcend time and space and meet with this great artist on his path of creations.

Travel tips

Transport: A direct flight from Hong Kong to Amsterdam takes about twelve hours. Bikes can be rented and visitors can buy disposable public transport chip cards on trams and bus seamlessly. See the official Amsterdam website www.iamsterdam.com for details.
Currency: Euro
Climate: Amsterdam has a mild maritime climate and rainy days are common, with large temperature differences from day to evening. It is hard to predict if it will be sunny or cloudy, so it's the best to always bring warm clothes and rainwear.

(By Candy Chan, winner of the third Young Writers' Debut competition)

Canals are important transport hubs in Amsterdam with extraordinarily beautiful scenery
Visitors can stay in a floating hotel with full kitchen, bathroom and other facilities
A bike tour along the canals offers the enjoyment of a slow-paced lifestyle
Houseboats are everywhere in Amsterdam
Local residents use bicycles to commute
The Royal Palace in Dam Square, an interesting backdrop to the daily lives of the citizens
Amsterdam Central Station, a busy hub for many tram lines
Albert Cuyp, the largest and busiest street market of Amsterdam
Fresh farm products in the Albert Cuyp
Visit the Van Gogh Museum to appreciate the tumultuous life of the great artist